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Film editor vs camera operator

The differences between film editors and camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a film editor has an average salary of $51,688, which is higher than the $43,609 average annual salary of a camera operator.

The top three skills for a film editor include music videos, film production and adobe premiere. The most important skills for a camera operator are video production, camera equipment, and camera operation.

Film editor vs camera operator overview

Film EditorCamera Operator
Yearly salary$51,688$43,609
Hourly rate$24.85$20.97
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs4,48626,006
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3737
Years of experience6-

Film editor vs camera operator salary

Film editors and camera operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Film EditorCamera Operator
Average salary$51,688$43,609
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $93,000Between $25,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew York
Best paying companyThe American Musical and Dramatic AcademyApple
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between film editor and camera operator education

There are a few differences between a film editor and a camera operator in terms of educational background:

Film EditorCamera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNew York UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Film editor vs camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between film editors' and camera operators' demographics:

Film EditorCamera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 73.5% Female, 26.5%Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between film editor and camera operator duties and responsibilities

Film editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage multiple YouTube accounts, and prepare media for online release.
  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Produce numerous YouTube videos and trailers.
  • Work with foreign language to be translate to English subtitles in documentaries.
  • Head of the DVD department from production, distribution, and monthly invoice collection.
  • Support marketing with event planning and execution, and filming and photography of student life.
  • Show more

Camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Set up and operate cameras during basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, and softball games.
  • Work involve studio productions and field shoots doing camera work, control room work, and grip work.
  • Live footage capture at indoor and outdoor events including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and lacrosse.
  • Operate studio equipment (camera, audio, teleprompter) and assist producers and in-studio guests for live talk shows.
  • Gather camera shots of a variety of sports at school games such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball.
  • Make sure the anchors have the right microphones, IFB, scripts and rundowns.
  • Show more

Film editor vs camera operator skills

Common film editor skills
  • Music Videos, 23%
  • Film Production, 10%
  • Adobe Premiere, 7%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 5%
  • Photography, 4%
  • Feature Film, 4%
Common camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 24%
  • Camera Equipment, 13%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 5%
  • CCTV, 4%
  • Live Broadcasts, 4%

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